Does Your Cell Phone Work In Riviera Maya?
Most international cellular service providers are available in Mexico but you will want to check these two items before your trip to Riviera Maya.
- Regardless, if you use Android or iOS, download WhatsApp to your phone before leaving home.
- Verify that your cell plan has an international data plan that will suffice while you're abroad.
Why WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is the most commonly used messaging app used throughout Riviera Maya that allows users to make calls, text, and send videos over the internet. Local cellular service plans include unlimited use of WhatsApp hence why it's the messaging app of choice in Quintana Roo as it avoids additional charges for using data or going over their phone time limit. Basically, if you want to be able to easily contact locals, WhatsApp is your best bet to get a quick response.
Video Chat Home From The Beach!
Another good reason to install WhatsApp is that it helps communicate much better internationally than most cell service carriers. As long as you're connected to wifi, you can call, text, send videos, or video chat back home from Mexico via WhatsApp to avoid getting charged for international services. Of course, the person you're trying to contact will also need to download the app either on their phone or desktop.
Why Do You Need International Data?
Yes, there's wifi almost everywhere in Riviera Maya but once you exit Cancun airport you may need to contact your rental or hotel before you check-in. A 500-megabyte plan should suffice as long as you don't use this data for streaming movies or music. Without going into technical details, it's good to have some international data in case of an emergency. Most cell companies charge for international talk time but data can be free. WhatsApp only uses data and can save your international call bill.
More Details...
Read more about how to minimize your long-distance calling charges, and data roaming while on vacation here.
We know there are countless questions about your upcoming trip. Contact our team for more information about everything Riviera Maya!